You never know when something is going to cause a change in your life, however small, that may make everything simpler. I believe that these occurrences come into our lives when we’re ready. Or perhaps they come along all the time and we only notice them when we’re ready.

I once read that if you want more time, do less. This makes sense to me, though it’s not always easy. I remember flying home from Europe many years ago after spending a month with my sister after her husband’s sudden death. Sitting on that plane alone (with a few hundred other travellers, but still alone) gave me time to review my life.

I asked myself what was not giving me pleasure about my life at the time. I had volunteered for several committees, some associated with my children’s schools, and realized that one of those committee positions had been draining my energy and joy.

As soon as I got home, I resigned. When you’re not in the right place, or you’re doing a job that you’re not supposed to do, you are not only taking your energy away from what you are supposed to do, you’re preventing the right person from taking the position.

Sometimes we feel like we will let everyone down by setting something aside. But the activity could be falsely propped up by our participation. While you don’t have to be passionate about everything you do, there should be some value in it to you and others.

After I dropped out of that committee, I discovered another area where my skills and energy could be used to benefit others in even better ways. This opportunity didn’t deplete me and my contribution was much more effective.

Simplifying your life is often a case of choosing the activities that are most suited to your gifts and abilities. It is in those areas that your contribution will be most effective, and where your life will feel most on track. It’s a good place to be.